Why Is It Important To Walk The Talk As A Servant Leader
- Jul 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 1, 2024
Written by: David M Zechman BSE, MPA, LFACHE, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In my recently published book, “Driven by Compassion – 8 Values For Successful Servant Leaders,” the number one value rated as most important by those interviewed for the book was “Walk The Talk.” A person who desires to be a compassionate servant leader must set the standard by living this value in their daily work and their personal life.
Walking the talk involves more than visible actions that require commitment and focus. Let’s face it, leaders are always “on stage” as to how they are perceived as a leader. This means that it takes a tremendous amount of constant dedication to this critical servant leadership value, whether it is in front of one person or a thousand. This means there is no “special sauce” for walking the talk other than just doing it! It means avoiding the do as I say not as I do style. It is obvious in our world today that there are many world leaders and politicians that follow the do as I say not as I do leadership style. This is creating distrust and unhappiness.
Why don’t more leaders adopt this servant leadership value? Part of it is an arrogant attitude that what I do is more important than what you do. Another reason is lack of confidence. Third, it is just a lack of respect for those they lead. An example of this occurred when a new department director at his first meeting, held up his paycheck and said, “I make more than you which makes me better than you and I am the king.” True story. Do you think this a good example of being a compassionate servant leader that walks the talk. Of course not.
One of the ways to be a leader who walks the talk is being approachable and accessible. This will create a culture of caring but more importantly, it shows you are a real person who will walk the talk by showing concern and interest in those you lead. A wonderful example was a hospital CEO who was considered by his employees as a “loving and compassionate person that made leadership effortless. This CEO was was genuine because he knew as many names as possible and more importantly, he walked the talk by looking those in the eye with the truth.” An important component of walking talk is getting to know those we serve on a personal level that includes things beyond work such as family, hobbies, and interests. This helps to humanize people, especially servant leaders.
Finally, this example says it all about walking the talk. A CEO received this note from a nurse after he helped her with a transport of a patient: “I know this was probably just being you, but I wanted to say thank you again for your assistance this evening helping transport our patient into his room today after surgery. What an awesome way to meet you. I was very impressed and grateful to see you going out of your way in a suit and jumping right into bedside care for our top clients... our patients!” So... do you think this true story example of walking talk created a positive morale ripple among the nursing staff? You bet it did.
A compassionate servant leader cannot expect those they lead to achieve their maximum potential unless that leader consistently and genuinely walks the talk during both wonderful and profitable times as well as difficult and unprofitable times. The team will embrace following you if are walking the talk at work and your personal life. This will lead to personal and organizational success.
David M Zechman BSE, MPA, LFACHE, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
David Zechman is currently a published author writing "Driven by Compassion ‒ 8 Values For Successful Servant Leaders" which is based on real life experiences of interviewed leaders from CEO's to supervisors. Zechman is also an accomplished public speaker, executive coach, leadership consultant, college professor, an active member of two boards, and CEO of Mergestone Group which acquires and manages assisted living and home health agencies. Zechman spent 39 years in healthcare until he retired as a hospital President and CEO.." Zechman is also an accomplished public speaker, leadership development consultant, CEO of Mergestone Group a published author, writing "Driven By Compassion ‒ 8 Values
